Ghana suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match, but the result was not enough to end the Black Stars’ dream as they secured a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The defeat ended Ghana’s unbeaten start to the competition but could not overshadow a remarkable group-stage campaign that has seen the four-time African champions reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.
Croatia Edge Entertaining Contest
At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Ghana entered the match knowing a draw would guarantee qualification, while Croatia needed all three points to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Croatia controlled much of the opening half and eventually found the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Petar Sučić unleashed a fierce long-range strike that beat Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who had been one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Despite falling behind, Ghana responded with determination after the break. Coach Carlos Queiroz’s side became more adventurous and created greater attacking pressure as they searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when defender Derrick Luckassen powered home a header from a set-piece. The assistant referee initially ruled the goal offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision, confirming Luckassen had timed his run perfectly and sending the Ghanaian supporters into celebration.
Croatia, however, quickly regained control. Veteran captain Luka Modrić produced another moment of quality ten minutes later, delivering an inch-perfect corner that Nikola Vlašić headed beyond Asare in the 83rd minute to restore Croatia’s lead. The Europeans defended resolutely in the closing stages to secure a crucial victory that sent them through as Group L runners-up.
Ghana’s Group Stage Filled with Promise
Although disappointed by the defeat, Ghana can look back on an impressive group-stage performance.
The Black Stars began the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before earning a disciplined 0-0 draw against England, one of the pre-tournament favourites. Those results provided the foundation for qualification despite the defeat to Croatia.
Against Croatia, Ghana once again displayed resilience, recovering from a first-half deficit before eventually being undone by a set-piece.
Carlos Queiroz rotated parts of his squad for the decisive encounter, recalling Kamaldeen Sulemana while leaving Inaki Williams among the substitutes. The tactical adjustments helped Ghana dominate spells of the second half and nearly earn another valuable point.
Luckassen Shines on World Cup Debut
Derrick Luckassen emerged as one of Ghana’s brightest performers. Making his World Cup debut, the defender scored Ghana’s only goal and delivered a composed defensive display. Ernest Nuamah made an immediate impact after coming off the bench by providing the assist for the equaliser.
Captain Thomas Partey once again dictated the tempo in midfield, while goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced several excellent saves despite conceding twice.
There was also concern over Antoine Semenyo after the forward appeared to suffer an ankle injury during the match, although he managed to finish the game.
Colombia Await in the Round of 32
Ghana now turns its attention to the knockout stage, where the Black Stars will face Colombia in the Round of 32. The group stage demonstrated Ghana’s defensive organisation, tactical discipline and fighting spirit. However, the Black Stars will need to be more clinical in front of goal and sharper when defending set-pieces if they are to overcome the South American side.
Despite the setback against Croatia, Ghana’s World Cup journey continues, with renewed belief that the team can produce another memorable run on football’s biggest stage.
Match Summary
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L
Croatia 2-1 Ghana
Goals:
- Petar Sučić (31′)
- Derrick Luckassen (73′)
- Nikola Vlašić (83′)
